What is an Abscessed Tooth?

Are you dealing with a painful and swollen tooth? You may have an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection that affects the core of a tooth, known as the pulp. It can cause severe pain and can even lead to the loss of the tooth if it’s not treated promptly.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what an abscessed tooth is and how it’s caused its symptoms, and the treatment options available for this condition.

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a bacterial infection that affects the pulp of a tooth. It’s usually caused by bacteria that enters the tooth through a cavity, a crack, or a chip. When the infection reaches the pulp of the tooth, it causes an abscess, which is an inflamed, pus-filled pocket near the root of the tooth.

What Causes an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The most common cause is poor dental hygiene, which allows bacteria to accumulate in the mouth and enter the tooth. Other causes of abscessed teeth include:

Poor dental care

Tooth trauma

A dental filling that has come loose

A fractured tooth

Gum disease

An impacted wisdom tooth

Biting on hard foods

Chewing on ice

What are the Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth?

The symptoms of an abscessed tooth can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

Intense pain in the affected tooth

Pain that may extend to the ear, neck, or jaw

Swelling of the gums in the affected area

Swelling of the face, neck, or jaw

Fever

Bad taste in the mouth

Foul-smelling breath

Difficulty opening the mouth

Difficulty chewing

How is an Abscessed Tooth Treated?

The treatment for an abscessed tooth depends on the severity of the infection. The most common treatment is a root canal, which involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning out the root canal. Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to help reduce swelling and pain. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the spread of the infection.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of an abscessed tooth, it’s important to visit your dentist right away. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Conclusion

An abscessed tooth can be a serious condition, so it’s important to take good care of your oral health to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Regular brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and avoiding hard foods and sugary snacks are all great ways to keep your teeth healthy and prevent abscessed teeth.